Frequently Asked Questions

Question:  Do you write specifications for product manufacturers?

Answer:  No.  DTR Consulting Services clients are Architects & Engineers, not manufacturers. Our professional services are geared toward project specific specifications and other technical architectural services. There are many independent specification writers that do write specifications for manufacturers, however, we have always felt that it would be a conflict of interest to be doing both and have chosen to be above reproach.

Question:  What makes DTR different from other independent specification writers?

Answer:  First and foremost, we provide a full range of professional services, not just specification writing services and that reflects on the overall value of the team.  DTR’s founder brought to the firm both a world of architectural experience and a core philosophy that “it’s all about our clients”.  DTR is organized and operated much the same way our clients operate.  Our firm is comprised of seven employees, not one or two.  Our clients can always reach someone in our commercial office.  Multiple staff is assigned to each project to assure deadlines are met and quality assurance is maintained.  DTR staff, each with specialized experience, continue to grow within our environment unlike any other firm. This is due in part because of our open studio atmosphere which fosters a collaborative approach in addition to the diversity of projects we are engaged in.  Therefore, our staff brings more experience and knowledge to a project team than any other…

Question:  Our Architectural firm has typically used a door hardware representative to build our hardware sets and specifications at no cost.  Can DTR provide the same service?

Answer:  Some manufacturer (sales) representatives do offer these services, on a limited basis for free, or at least on the surface it appears free.  These folks are paid on commission and therefore have a strong interest in writing not only a proprietary (closed) specification, but also specify hardware that excludes competitors or components that guarantee their company obtains the highest profits.  Not only is this not complementary to your services to your client, but often is detrimental to your project in so many ways (too many to mention here).   Listing other manufacturers in Part 2 of their specifications does not mean that these specifications are open or non-proprietary. True hardware services should specify a product that works best for the intended use, not because there is a profit motivation.  These services should also include detailed coordination with the Architect’s drawings/schedules and the availability to interact with your client’s facility staff, coordinate with door access security systems and other building components.  As an example, the client may want locks to be keyed alike or keyed to the building such as site access gates, knox boxes, rolling grilles, access panels, casework, etc.

Question:  Does DTR perform Regulatory Plan Checks?

Answer:  Not for regulatory authorities.  DTR’s “Complete Check” services do include review of code check compliance in many areas, but ultimately we provide a peer review of construction documents whereas we work with your firm to provide feedback that allows you to maintain an optimum level of quality.  In addition to identifying code issues, we identify interdisciplinary coordination issues, identification of constructability issues, verify references and facility building standards verification.  Some reviews include field review to assist in the elimination of potential conflicts, thereby reducing the time consuming questions during construction and more importantly, eliminate potential change order claims.  Deliverables are purposely packaged to allow you to get information to your consultants quickly.  Unlike some Constructability Reviews by Construction Management firms, we simply, yet thoroughly identify issues.  We never pretend we are the Designer, Architect or Engineer by second guessing your design or material selection, nor do we tell engineers how to do their work.  We identify which disciplines, materials or components are in conflict with specific references and let your firm decide which corrective measure is appropriate.

Question:  We used an independent specification writer in the past, but when he/she was out sick, on vacation (or overloaded) or out of town, our project went on hold and we were forced to complete their work. This is not acceptable. 

Answer:  DTR strives to maintain a balanced project schedule to make certain our clients work is given sufficient quality time in order to maintain delivery deadlines.  The assignment of multiple professionals on each project ensures that several people are in the loop so that answers to questions and issue resolution are handled promptly and efficiently.

Question:  How can a Specification Consultant be as efficient as an in-house professional?

Answer:  An independent consultant has the unique ability to look at your project with fresh eyes and may see a better approach to the details.  We can also focus on particulars with more intensity which may be skirted over by an in-house professional due to an overburdening workload and doing things the same way day in and day out.  We maintain an extensive product library and if need be, take the time to contact a product representative, one on one.  This extra effort may help to determine if there something new and better on the market to specify on your project. 

Question:  Does DTR carry Professional Liability Insurance?

Answer:  Yes…  We carry highly rated professional liability (E&O) insurance. Typically our insurance meets the same standards as our A/E clients, as well as other liability insurance to meet all project needs.  Certificates of insurance are issued through our broker on a project by project basis.